The last I heard the World Shorinji Kempo Organisation were requiring instructors to have special training before they allowed their students to spar wearing gear similar to that.

The reason I was given was that there had been some neck injuries associated with the head protector. Something to do with the forward projection of the faceplate causing straight blows to the head to exert more force than they would otherwise.

Mind you, considering Shorinji Kempo "sparring" consists of playing tag they may just have discovered that full contact to the face can be a pain in the neck.

I scare you?
what's going on?
why am I a target here?
I don't understand!
I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with this protective gear!
Is there really no use for protective gear?
I belong to a hard-hitting school,
I'm 6'4, 255 lbs. and i typically fight chaps my size,
they hit hard,
as do I,
so despite the fact that I was wearing a karate style chest/body guard,
I separated a rib... badly!!!
So why am I being ridiculed then?

Is there any reason why you are trying to set up your diatribes as poems?:pity:

The gear looks flimsy. SOme one says they have broken another says they cause neck injuries. Buy something else.

Alright, so I took everyone's advise and looked into Muay Thai gear, and you're right, that **** is made for real use! I am now going to be purchasing a Muay Thai chest/body guard from Twins, and a Muay Thai/Boxing headgard from Fight Gear.
See... I listen. So what's wrong with giving someone some good advice. People can actually benefit from what you have to say. Remember that! When you insult people they don't wan't to admit you are right. I find people with REAL experience are only too glad to share it. And they NEVER put poeple down for having less experience. Anyway, thanks everyone!!! This is why I come to Bullshido.